Who is OME

William Rodriguez

Part of the 2014 Interphase Cohort, William is a double major in Course 15, Management, and Course 17, Political Science.

Tell me about your first encounter with MIT’s OME Office?
My first experience with the OME Office was during CPW. Upperclassmen who had gone through the Interphase program had recommended it to me, so I decided to go to one of the information sessions. The presentation was quite informative and lots of good vibes from the students and staff. It lead me to look into applying for the Interphase EDGE program.

What were your initial impressions?
I first encountered the OME as a welcoming, open office, determined to help any and all students that chose to go to it. I was particularly fond of the kind attitude of the staff and its commitment to the students.

Did those impressions change over time?
My impressions of the OME have changed for the better. I had positive first impressions of the OME that have been bolstered by the networking events, activities, and people that I have encountered through the OME. It’s been a true driving factor in making my MIT experience a fruitful one.

What programs did you take part in, and how were they helpful?
I participated in the Interphase EDGE program the summer before freshman year. I initially had doubts of spending my last summer before college into academics since I had done so every summer of high school, but I decided to make the investment. I feel that I made an excellent decision not only because of the various topics that I was able to learn before freshman year, but also due to the friends I made, the experiences I had, and the confidence to excel in MIT that I gained.

What was your most memorable or valuable experience with OME?
I honestly think the most valuable experience I had with the OME was in the first few weeks of freshman year. I had been paired up with an advisor that I did not really match up with and did not really know what to do. Thus, I sought counsel with a member of the OME staff. She helped me pair up with a new advisor and the switch could not have been better. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience with my new advisor and advising group, and if I had not approached the OME, I could have had a really bad first impression of MIT.

If you had to describe OME with one word, what would it be?

Opportunity

What would you want others to know about OME?
The OME is a very welcoming place that is genuinely concerned for its students. If you have a concern about anything MIT or just want to meet a new crowd of friendly people, do not hesitate in reaching out! You can even win a scholarship, like I was thankfully able to.

What are the OME’s best features/resources?
The people and the fact that you can approach them to ask about academic concerns or just to say hi and grab a snack. I would also include the vast array of networking events and seminars/conferences the OME sponsors. They truly help in going the extra mile and complementing the MIT student experience.

If you had to pick one book or comic to take with you to a deserted island, what would it be?
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

I first encountered the OME as a welcoming, open office, determined to help any and all students that chose to go to it. I was particularly fond of the kind attitude of the staff and its commitment to the students.